WOODSTOCK, GA (April 17, 2024) – The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) has partnered with Cherokee By Choice investor Georgia Power to enhance the relationship with the Black business community and residents and create a deeper understanding of their distinct viewpoints and specific needs with the launch of the inaugural Black Business Roundtable.
Eleven business owners attended the first meeting on April 9, to exchange thoughts, experiences, and expertise to strengthen the collaboration and support among Cherokee’s Black community. They discussed empowering entrepreneurs through mentorship, fostering connections and resource sharing among minority-owned businesses.
William Thomas of Golf2Grow emphasized the importance of including Black business owners in the conversation and encouraging and supporting the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. “We want to change the narrative and encourage black entrepreneurs to delve into industries that don’t typically feature people who look like us,” said Thomas.
The Black Business Roundtable comes as part of COED’s Cherokee By Choice (CBC) 2.0 strategic plan’s minority-owned business support initiative – made possible by CBC investors and Georgia Power. CBC 2.0 aims to strengthen Cherokee’s business community as a whole.
“We don’t want people to think that we only want black customers,” said Thomas. “I want to be a business that caters to the needs of the community that I serve; so I expect my customer base to reflect Cherokee’s demographics.”
In October of last year, COED also launched the Latino Business Roundtable to create a communication pipeline for Hispanic business owners. The Latino Business Roundtable meets monthly, tackling issues like transportation, education and language barriers.
CBC 2.0 is COED’s next-level five-year economic growth and resiliency initiative. Developed in partnership with private and public sector leaders, partners, and stakeholders in and around Cherokee, CBC 2.0 attacks three main goal areas: talent, business and product.
To read the full five-year plan or invest in Cherokee By Choice 2.0, visit cherokeega.org/CherokeeByChoice.
